PH Calls for Post-2015 Development Agenda to be Responsive to the Poor and Marginalized

The Philippine Delegation to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, led by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (center) and Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre (right)

NEW YORK, 09 July 2015 – The Philippines called for the post-2015 development agenda to be responsive to the needs of the poor and marginalized, particularly in developing countries.

Speaking at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) this afternoon at the United Nations, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Arsenio M. Balisacan said much has been achieved over the last 15 years to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but that “there is a long path ahead.”

“Sustainable development has to be responsive to the essential needs of developing countries, especially the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable. This means that we have to make sure that our next steps will still prioritize those who are in need. At the same time, we have to be mindful of the needs of the future generations,” he said.

World leaders will gather at the UN in September to adopt a new agenda for sustainable development as the MDGs reach their deadline this year. The new development agenda will adopt Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will guide global policy and funding for the SDGs in the next 15 years.

Secretary Balisacan at the ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review on “Managing the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs: What it will take” held at the UN Headquarters

Secretary Balisacan at the ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review on “Managing the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs: What it will take” held at the UN Headquarters

Secretary Balisacan added that sustainable development also has to do with managing the limitations that technologies and societies bring upon the environment.

“Indeed, it is important to recognize the urgent need to build resilience and improve the capacities of countries to prepare for and recover from disasters. Almost two years ago, our country was hit by Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest tropical cyclone to ever make landfall in recorded history. Hence, I would like to reiterate our call for a revitalized global policy framework in disaster preparedness and response,” he said.

Moreover, the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary said the new development agenda should strengthen the means for implementing sustainable development, promoting investment in people and natural capital, and building South-South cooperation.

“It is important that we prioritize pursuing green growth, public–private partnerships, adequate financing, capacity building, technology transfers, sustainable consumption and production, data availability, and better accountability in measuring progress. At the same time, we acknowledge the need to strengthen global and regional partnerships to support countries as they move towards sustainable development,” he said.

Secretary Balisacan reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to actively participate in the process of both post Rio+20 and the post-2105 development agenda.

The Rio+20 is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development that took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012 which resulted in a focused political outcome document containing clear and practical measures for implementing sustainable development.

“We are happy that the draft outcome document puts people at the center of sustainable development, incorporates the unfinished business of MDGs, and recognizes the various challenges of the UN Member States,” Secretary Balisacan added.

Secretary Balisacan was joined at the Forum by Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, Assistant Director General Rosemarie Edillon of NEDA, and officers and staff of the Philippine Mission.

Aside from the High Level Political Forum, Secretary Balisacan will also present the Philippine report on its accomplishments and recommendations in the implementation of the MDGs and in managing the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs at the ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review tomorrow, 10 July. END